Draft rigging



DRAFT RIGGING v Filed sept. s, I1955 2 sheets-sheet -1 v United States Patent DRAFT RIGGING Donald Willison, Maple Heights, hio,assignor to National Malleable and Steel Castings Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed Sept. 8, 1955, Ser. No. 533,0'57

9 Claims. (Cl. 213-45) This invention relates to draft rigging for use in railway vehicles and more particularly to means for temporarily maintaining a cushioning unit interposed between a pair of draft gear followers in assembled relationship with the latter and in pre-shortened condition for ease in handling the draft gearand inserting the latter into the draft gear pocket of thevehicle.

In the United States Patent No. 2,635,766, issued April 2l, 1953 to Donald Willison,Y there is disclosed a draft gear which can be shipped as a single unit and which can be `readily applied vto the draft gear pocket Vof a car.

VInthat draft gear, metallic straps are welded' to the sidesoAf-followe'rsA to Ytemporarily maintain a cushioning u'nit interposed between the followersin a predetermined compressed state and in assembled lrelationship with the followers. The follower and cushioning unit assembly l 2,941,682 f .Patented July 12, 196() ICC y 2 are set forthin the following description taken in conjunction withthe'drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view partially in section, showingI a draft gear embodying the invention in assembled relationship with a draft gear yoke and applied to the draft gear pocket of a railway car, the parts being shown in neutral position.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the draft gear shown in Fig. 1, the draft gear yoke and pocket of the car not being shown. Y 1

Pig. 3 is. an enlarged partial side elevational view of y the rear follower and link assembly, showing the re-A is then easily positioned between front and rear abutments'of ua draft gear yoke,` after which the yoke and draft gear assembly is inserted intothe draft 'gear pocket oftheV car. Prior to inserting the llatter assembly into the pocket of the car, the welds attaching the metallic straps to the followers must be chipped off and the straps removed from the draft gear in order that it may function.

The present invention provides novel means for temporarily maintaining a cushioning unit of a draft'g'ear in assembled relationship betweenk a pair of followersY andA in a pre-compressed condition. The retaining means is not removed from the gear assembly upon insertion of the latter linto the draft gear pocket of the car'but is permanently retained with the gear in service.

It is,rtherefore, a general'object of the invention to provide novel means for temporarily maintaining a draftl i gear in an assembled condition. Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for temporarily holding aA cushioning unit of a draft gear in a compressed condition.

1 Afurtherobject of the invention is to providemeans i for pre-shortening a draft gear, which-means e'ed Anot be removed from the .gearupon insertion of lthelatter into the draft gear pocket of the car. l

- `Another object of theinvention-.istovprovideia draftA Y gear Vcomprising' a cushioningv unit Vinterposedfbetlweeri followers and Yhaving separablemeansfor temporarily maintaining the followersin a'predetermined longitudinally spaced relationshipwhich .means is permanently retained with the draft gear in service. I f

A mor-e specific object of the. invention `is `to provide in a draft gear, comprisingY a cushioning unit interposed between a pair of followers, separate'link means in interlocking relationship with the-followers to temporarily 'maintain the cushioning unit of the'gear in compressed condition. v Y A still further object of .the invention is Vto provide improved means yfor assembling the various parts of a VVdraftgear for shipment as a unit and forinsertionj into the draft gear pocketiofa car.:

movable slug which is inserted between the link anda projection on the rear follower to pre-shorten the gear for ready insertion of the latter between the stop lugs of the'draft gear pocket.

Fig. 4 isA an end view of Ythe Fig. 3 illustration, taken from the right. Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional plan view, showing a modification of the invention as applied to the front follower of the draft gear.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the modication of the invention shown in Fig. 5.VV Y

Fig.` 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional plan view, showing a further modification ofthe invention as applied to the front kfollower of the draft gear.

Fig.` 8 is a partial side elevational View of the modifica-V tion ofthe invention shown in Fig. 7.'

Referring'generally to the embodiment shown in `"`i,1,`1,s.V

20, and a compensating cushioning unit 21 normallyV compressed vbetween the cushioning follower 18' and a.

compensating follower 23. Followers 18 and 2,0.engage the` front and rear stop lugs, of pocket 16 to maintain cushioning 11nit"17 under an initial compression when the gear is in vneutral position in the pocket of the car. yIn accordance with the invention, detachable link members 19 are provided'in interlocking relationship with followers 18 and 20. These link members extend between the followers" and are adapted for temporarily holding the latter in a predetermined longitudinally spacedrelationship'against the compressive resistancegf r the cushioning unit 17 during assembly ofltlie gear.

This 1feature A,willV be lhereinafter more tliorouglilyfdiss cussed. y The forward cushioning follower 18 comprises a'transverse ;base"port ion ZZhavingits rear endjsrrfa ingu-' v y ygagernent with the forward end 'of CuShiQnin'g'unit 17,'fand side walls 24 yextending forwardly frorn'xtherear end vsurface of the base portion and engaging thel front stopV lugs 12. The forward ends of Walls 24 aregwidenedfas atjzonthe innersides thereof to provide increased 'stop lug engaging surfaces ZSg'an'd ,also rearwardly facing abutment surfaces 30.V l Y l f j w v I 1 'In accordance with the invention, each outerfside'wall surface 3Q. of base'portion -22of forward cushioning follower 18 is provided with a Uishaped recess 34 `(Fig.Y 2) adapted to receive-theforward endvofv one of link' members 19 daring assemblyrorfgthe gear., lRecess'34 iscen'# tered with respect to the toprand bottom ofthe base and jdenesjan integral'lug 35 on each Yof the'outergside's of 4l'iiThe various features and'advanta'ges lofthe invention if follower 18. Lng Y3S entends laterally from the Ybottom ,ofthegrecessa sufficient amount so vthat its Vouter surface 35a substantially' flush withthef'outersrfacejzldof the adjacent side wall 24 of the follower. Each side 32 is relieved as at 36 (Figs. 1 and 2) adjacent the periphery of recess 34 for receiving a rectangular retaining plate 38. Plate 38, in bridging relation with a portion of the recess adjacent the lug 35 and occupied by the link, limits the lateral movement of link member 19 outwardly with respect to follower 18, thereby ensuring that the follower and links will remain in assembled relationship.

Disposed between side walls 24 and in engagement with the forward surface of base portion 22 of follower 18 is the aforementioned compensating cushioning unit 21. Both compensating cushioning unit 21 and main cushioning unit 17 are preferably but not necessarily formed of a series of rubber pads of the type disclosed in the Willison- Spence Patent No. 2,686,667, issued August 17, 1954.

lCompensating follower 23, also positioned between sidev walls 24 of forward follower 18, engages the forward end of compensating unit 21 and is adapted to transmit bufling forces from the coupler to the unit. Follower"213 cornprises a transverse base portion 44, the rearward side of which engages the forward end of compensating cushioning unit 21, and a forward abutment portion 46. As shown in Fig. l, portion 46 engages a forward abutment 47a in yoke 47 to place the compensating cushioning unit 21 under a predetermined initial compression when the draft gear and yoke assembly is in neutral position in the draft gear pocket of the car. In the latter position a clearance exists between the lateral extensions of base portion 44 and the opposing surfaces 30 on follower 18.

e Rear cushioning follower 26 comprises a transverse base portion 48 having a pair of rearwardly extending rectangular projections 49 (Figs. l and 2) disposed adjacent the lateral extremities thereof and having abutment-surfaces 49a adapted to engage the rear stop lugs 14-`14 when the gear is in neutral position in the draft gear pocket of the car. Base portion 48 is cored as at 50 to lighten the follower.

In accordance with the invention,V each of the outer sides 51 of follower 20 is formed with a centrally disposed T shaped recess 52 (Fig. 2) adapted to receive the rearward end of one of link members 19. Each recess 52 extends from the forward cushioning unit engaging end of the follower rto the rearward end thereof and is composed of a vertical section 54, which preferably extends the full height of follower 20, and a central section 56, which is of the same lateral depth as section S4. Section 54 is disposed adjacent the forward extremity of side 51 of follower 20 and section 56 extends to the end of the follower. Each side 51 of follower 20 is relieved as at 58 (Figs. 2, 3, and 4) adjacent the sides of section 56- to receive retaining plate 60. Plates `60 perform the same function with respect to links 19 and rear follower 20 as the aforementioned plates 3-8 do with respect to links 19 and forward follower 18.

VDisposed at the forward end of each T shaped recess 52, and positioned substantially midway between the top and bottom of the follower, is a laterally extending, substantially rectangular lug 62. Lugs 62 extend laterally a .suicient amount so that their outer surfaces 62a are substantially flush with sides 51 of follower 20.

Withthe gear in assembled condition in the draft gear pocket of the car, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the aforementioned link members 19 encircle lugs 35 on forward follower 18 and lugs 62 on rear follower 20 and are supported thereby. Each link 64 is in the form of a closed, elongated loop and comprises upper and lower stem portions 66 joined by end portions 68. A centrally disposed stud 70 connects stem portions 66 thereby defining, respectively, forward and rearward longitudinally elongated openings 72 and 74 in the link. It will be observed that the end portions 68 of the links are complementary in shape to U-shaped recesses 34 in base portion 22 of follower 18. It will also be observed that` the inner sides of end portions 68 have beenA provided with substantially flat abutment surfaces 72a and 74a, respectively, for full surface engagement with lugs 35 on the forward follower and projections 62 on the rearward follower.

An important feature of the draft gear is that it is very conveniently prepared for shipment as a unit, which facilitates handling and provides a considerable saving in time and expense. A method of preparing the gear for shipment follows.

The main cushioning unit 17 is assembled between the transverse base portions 22 and 48 of the forward and rearward cushioning followers and the unit is compressed therebetween until the longitudinal dimension between forwardly facing surfaces 35h of lugs 35 on follower 18 and rearwardly facing surfaces 62h of projections 62 on rear follower .'20 is substantially less than the distance between front abutment surface 72a and rear abutment surface 74a in links 19. While the followers are in this position, the end portions 68 of `the links are inserted laterally into the recesses 34 and 512 on the forward and rear cushioning followers, respectively, so that lugs 35 and 62 extend through openings 72 and 74 in the links. In this connection, it will be noted that openings 72 and 74 are of suiicient height that projections 35 and 62 are readily accommodated therein.

Assembly slugs 76, shown in dot-dash, Fig. 3, are then inserted into gaps within the openings of the links between the projections 62 on follower 28 and the opposing rear abutment surfaces 74a of links 19. T he compressive force on cushioning unit 17 is now removed and the expansion thereof causes each projection 35 on forward follower 18 to be pressed tightly against the opposing forward abutment surface 72a in each of the links, and each projection 62 on rear follower 2l) to be pressed tightly against the opposing slug 76 which, in turn, presses tightly against the opposing rear abutment surface 74a in each of the links. 'Slugs 76 are of such a dimension as to maintain the distance across the front and rear stop lugs engaging surfaces 28 and 49a on the forward and rear followers 18 and 2t) slightly less than the longitudinal spacing of the front and rear stop lugs 12 and 14 in the draft gear pocket of the car, as well as less than the longitudinal spacing of the front and rear abutments in the draft gear yoke. '1t should ybe understood that slugs 76 are not essential in order that linksV 19 be effective to maintain the gear in assembled` condition for shipment as a uni-t. Thus, the spacing between front abutment surface 72a and rear abutment surface 74a in the links is such as to retain cushioning unit 17 sufliciently compressed for maintaining followers 18 and 20, cushioning unit 17 and links 19 in assembled condition. However, slugs 76 are necessary in order to reduce the distance across the front and rear stop engaging surfaces 28 and 49a on the followers 18 and 20 so as to assure ready insertion of the draft gear into the draft gear pocket.

It will be observed from Fig. 1 that inner surfaces 34a of U-shaped recesses 34 in follower 18 slant outwardly from the inner ends of surfaces 341i of the recesses. This ensures that the forward abutment surface 72m of opening 72, in each of links 19 will have full bearing engagement withthe-opposing surface 35b on each of lugs 35 on follower 18, irrespective of the lateral position of the links with respecty to the' lugs Vwhen the links are holding the gear in assembled condition.

To complete the assembly of, the links with the gear, retaining plate 38 is-inserted in relieved portion 36 in each of sides 32 of base vportion 22 of follower 18, forwardly of projection 35, and welded in place, as at 38a. A plate 60 is likewise inserted in relieved porticn 58 in each of sides 51 of rear follower 20, rearwardly of projection 62, and welded as at 58a in proper position. It will be observed that the relieved portions 36 and 58 are of a sufficient depth to maintain the outer sides of the plates flush with the sides of the followers. These plates overlap substantial portions ofthe ends 68 of the links thereby ensuring that theA latter will not move laterally to drop `out ofthe assembly.

out of encircling relationship' with projections 35 and 62 on the forward and rear vcushioning followers 18 and 20. r .V l

To complete theY assembly of the gear for shipment as a unit, the compensatingV cushioning unit 21 in uncompressed condition is inserted between the side walls 24 of forward follower 18 and moved rearwardly until its rearward end engages the forward side of base portion 22' ofthe follower. Then, applying the compensating follower 23 from the top side of the gear, it is initially positioned with the lower end of base portion 44 between abutment surfaces 30 on the widened portions 26 of walls 24 and the forward end of cushioning unit 21. In this connection it will be noted that base portion 44 of follower 23 is tapered as at 78 (Fig. 2) on the forward side thereof. Follower 23 is then forced downwardly between the walls 24 of follower 18, the wedging action of tapered surface 78 against Vabutment surfaces 30 urging follower 23 toward base portion 22 of follower 18, thereby compressing compensating cushioning unit 21. It will be understood that now forward 'abutment portion 46 of follower 213 will extend outwardly a considerable distancefbeyond front stop lug engaging surfaces 28 on the forward ends of walls- 2 4 of follower 18. In order to be able to insert the draft gear into the yoke 47, follower 23 must be moved rearwardly so as to reduce the overall length of the gear. Accordingly, a force is appliedto abutment portion 46. of the follower, thereby' compressing compensating unit '21 a suicient amount to .permit insertion of suitable assembly slugs (not'shown) between abutment surfaces-30 Yand the opposing transverse base portion 44of follower 23. The r slugs are of such dimension that whenthey are in .place the overall length of the gear is less than the distance between the front and -rear abutments of the draft -gear yoke. It will be understood that such slugs are'easily inserted in place in a vertical direction from either the top or bottom sides of the followers. The preparation of the draft gear, as aforedescribed, for shipment as a unit is now complet e i When a gear, prepared for shipment as above described, is to be vapplied to a car it is inserted intov the yoke in a transverse direction;Y .The gear and yoke assembly is then freely raisedr up into the draft gearpocket of thecar and the usual yoke or gear support plate (not shown) is secured to carfsills 10.V .It will be understood that the links 1 9 are not removedpriortoinserting the draft gear and yoke assembly into the pocket of the car but fare permanently 'retained with the-(mechanism. When the gearreceivesa buifing -blow in service the aforementioned slugs holding the compensating unit 21 in a compressed condition yand the slugs 76, holding the, lug engaging surfaces 28 and 49a on the forward andrear cushioningY followers out of engagement with the frontand rear draft lugs, arey released and are free I n this connection-'it will be noted-thatthe opposed faces of the 19 are tapered as at 80 to facilitate Vthe dropping offslugs 76 from .the draft gear assembly. It will also-be `seen Arearwardjends ofy stem" portions'66 of link that the vertically extending sections 54 of recess 52 'A which extend the full height of follower 20 ensure that slugs 76 will drop Aawayfrom the gear Yand will not-become lodgedin the latter to cause interference between themovingparts. Y I f 'With the slugs removed,the .maincushioning unit 17 expands pressing theV front andrear cushioning follow-v ers firmly against the front and rear stop lugs of the draft gear pocket, thus holding the gear .tightly in the-pocket. At the sameA time kthe compensating unit 2 1 expands pressing'the compensating follower 23 firmly against the front abutment surface v47a of the yoke, thereby eliminat- Y ing all free slack betweenthe cushioning mechanism and i `Y "l5 the yoke.

Y be seen that there is no need 'fori retaining plates tohev welded'to the sidesv of the forward follower tomaintain Y;

It is preferable that the composition and thickness of the cushioning units 17 and 21 are such that when the gear is compressed to its normal assembled length Within the draft gear pocket of the car, as shown in Figs.` 1 and 2, the main cushioning unit 17 is under a substantially greater compressive load than is the compensating cushioning unit 21.

The operation of the gear with the associated link members 19 is as follows:

Under a draft or pulling load, the coupler shank transmits the load through the rear abutment surface 47b of the yoke to rear cushioning follower 20, causing it to movev forwardly, thus compressing the main cushioning unit 17. Simultaneously, because of the forward movement of the front abutment surface 47a of the yoke, the compensating follower 23 moves forwardly under the expansion of the compensating cushioning unit 21. It will be understood that since forward follower 18 remains stationary when the gear is subjected to a pulling load, link members 19 will not have any substantial forward movement because the forward end of each link is adapted for engagement with the opposing side wall 34b of each recess 34 in follower 18. '.In this connection it will be seen in Figs. l and 2 that a slight clearance as at `82, may exist between the forward endof eachlink and the opposingr wall 34b when jthe gear is in neutral position fin thefdraft gear pocket of the' car.- It will. be apparent that as rear follower 20 moves forwardly-,projections 62 thereofmovefforwardly in openings 74 `of they links. Openings-74 extend `forwardly-a sufiicient amount to provide for any ,possible forward movementlof follower v20. 1

1 `When a -buing load is applied to thetgear, the corn'-A pensating follower 23v is caused to move rearwardly which further compresses compensating cushioning unit pression applied to the main, cushioning unit 17 Thereafter both cushioning units compress in series. As the main cushioning 'unit 17 compresses, forward cushioning follower 18' moves rearwardly while rear cushioning follower .20 remains jstationary, vLinks 19 move Vrearwardly. with follower 18 and-will extend further into recesses 52 in sidewalls 51 of follower v20. In this connection it Will be seen that krecesses 52 are of suicient height -andjdepth to easily accommodate links-19`therein. It will` be understood that in case anolf-center force is applied tothe gear,.as might occur if a different type of yo k e than th e one-.shownv isv used, the cushioning followers; mayl rotate or piyot slightly in a horizontal plane within the draft gear pocket without interference from the link members 19. Thus itwill be seen that Y the link members, Vthough'permanently retained with the draft gear in service, donot interfere with'its operationV in any manner.

vFigs'. .5 and 6 illustrate a modification of the invention asapplied' to the -forward cushioning follower of the draft gear. Only a portion of the follower is shownV butit will beunderstood that the latter is symmetrical and has another 4side identical with the one shown. The follower 84 is of the same general construction as in V.the previous embodiment, except for the following variatlons. Lug 85, extending laterally from baseV portion 84a of thefollower has a forwardly extending shoulder or lip portion 85a projecting from its lforward side 85b fadjacent the lateral lextremity' thereof. Lip portion 85a is preferablyithe same heightas lug 85' and extends forwardly a" suliicient amount to prevent the lateral movement of link member 86 outof encircling relationship with lug 85. Since link 86 is similar'to the corresponding member in' theprevious embodiment, it will ,7 the links and follower in assembled relationship. 4Each side 88 of follower 84 is tapered, as at 90` adjacent the forward extremity of U-shaped recess 92 tov facilitate entry of link member 86 therein during assembly of the.

gear. In this connection it will be noted that rear wall 94 of recess 92 is provided with a pair of vertically spaced, rearwardly tapered notches 96 which are contoured to stem portions 98 of link 86.

To assemble a gear embodying this modified forward follower, each link S6 is first positioned so that projection 85 on the follower extends into forward opening 97 of the link and the stem portions 98 of the link extend diagonally inwardly toward the longitudinal center line of the follower. It will be understood that in the latter position stem portions 9S of the link are received in the aforementioned notches 96 in rear wall 94 of recess 92. The link is then moved rearwardly in the above described diagonal direction until the forward end portion i@ of the link is within the contines of recess, 92. Thereafter the link is rotated in a horizontal plane until it is longitudinally aligned with side wall 1012 of follower 84. The remainder of the assembly process and the operation of the gear is similar to that described for the previous embodiment.

In Figs. 7 and 8 there is shown a further modification of the invention as applied to the forwardrcushioning follower of the draft gear. As in the previous embodiment, only a portion of the follower is shown but it will be understood that the latter is symmetrical and has another side identical to the one shown.V Y

In this embodiment lateral projection 1% on each side of the follower is not provided with a lip portion as in the previous embodiment. Instead the links 86 are secured to the forward follower by means of a Weld as at 1&6. This, of course, combines the followerV and link members into a unitary member and eliminates the needA for retaining plates on the forward follower to prevent lateral movement of the links out of interlocking engagement with the follower. The remainder of the assembly and the operation of Ya gear embodying this modification is similar to that set forth for the first described embodiment.

While the invention has been shown applied to a particular type of draft gear, it should be understood that the invention is not restricted to use only with this gear but may be utilized with other types. Y

The terms and expressions which I have employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and

, I have no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but recognize that various modifications are possible with the scope of the invention claimed.

I claim:

l. In a draft gear comprising: longitudinally spaced followers and a cushioning unit compressibly disposed between, and in engagement with, confronting end surfaces of the followers; each follower having aA recess extending inwardly from each of both `of its outer sides and extending also'in the lengthwise direction ofV the gear to form an indentation in the respective end surface of said end surfaces; a lug extending laterally outwardly from the bottom of each recess in spaced relation of the sides thereof and positioned centrally with respect to the top and bottom of respective followers; and link means having openings for receiving said lugs positioned at each side of the, draft gear lengthwise of the cushioning unit with end portions thereof disposed within a recess of each follower and the associated lugs thereof extending through said openings; the openings of both link means adjacent one follower and the recesses of said one follower being elongated in said lengthwise direction for movement of said one follower relative to the link meansV toward the other follower through a distance permitting insertion of assembly slugs into said openings adjacent said one follower between the ends of said adjacent openings and the lugs therein.`

2. The draft gear of Vclaim l wherein: the lugs of one of the followers have flange means extending in said direction into overlapping relation with the end portions of said link means for maintaining said .link means in assembled relation withV the follower in all operative positions of said draft gear.

3. In a draft gear for assembly between the front and rear stop lugs of the draft gear pocket; longitudinally spaced forward and rearward followers; a cushioning unit compressible by said followers disposed between a rearward end surface of the forward follower and a forward end surface of the rearward follower; said followers having recesses in the sides thereof, the recesses of the front follower extending rearwardly into, and indenting, side edges of said rear endy surface; the recesses of the rearward follower extending forwardly and indenting side edges of said forward end surface; a lug extending from the bottom of each recess in spaced relation with its side walls; link means for each side of the gear having a horizontally elongated loop figuration comprising upper and lower stem sections dening a slot adjacent each end of the link means, each link means supported in la recess of the rearward follower and a recess of the forward follower with respective lugs of these recesses extending through the slots of the link means; the lugs of said rear fol-lower being located with respect to the rearward and forward direction of respective recesses for movement of the link means in said direction relative to the rear followerV within said recesses thereof; a removablev slug memberV disposedbetween the rearward extremity of each of said lugs on said rearward follower and the confront.- ing portion of the associated link means to hold said unit in a predetermined compressed condition.

4. The draft gear assembly of claim 3 wherein: said lower stem section adjacent its rearward end has its top surface tapered laterally outwardly in a downward direction to facilitate dropping of said slug members away from said gear upon operation of the latter, whereupon said front and rear followers are capable of moving further apart by the expansion of said unit.

V5. A follower for a-draft gear having an end surface aligned vertically, in normal operating position, for engaging a cushioning unit of the gear, and outwardly facing side surfaces extending generally horizontally perpendicularly from opposite sides of the end surface, the follower having a recess extending laterally inwardly from each of the side surfaces and opening in and forming an indentation, in the side edge of the end surface, each recess forming a continuous opening in its respective side surface in a horizontal direction fromsaid end surface; and an abutment lug extending horizontally laterally outwardly from the bottom of each recess in spaced relatio'nrwith the sides of the recess adapting the recess for receiving an apertured link means in encircling relation with the lug. Y

6. The follower of claim 5 wherein: the follower is relieved Vinwardly from the side wall surfaces Yalong the periphery of each recess for receiving a plate member for bridging a portion of the recess adjacent the lug.

In a draft gear comprising: longitudinally spaced followers and a cushioning unitV compressibly disposed between,"and in' engagement with, confronting end surfaces of the followers; each follower having a recess extending inwardly from each of both of its outer sides Vand extending also in the lengthwise direction of the gear Vaangeeft one follower and the recessesl of said one follower beingV elongated in said lengthwise direction for movementfof said one follower relativeY to the link means toward the other follower through a distance permitting linsertion of assembly slugs into said openings adjacent said one follower between the ends of said adjacent openings and the lugs therein; and retaining lmeans attached to vat least one of the followers and bridging portions of the recesses occupied bythe link means to confine the link means in encircling relation with the lugs.

8. A draft gear for assemblywith a draft gear yoke and positioning between the front and rear stoplugs of the draft gear pocket, said draft gear comprising: a forward follower; a rearward follower; and a cushioning unit compressible between a rear end surface of the front follower and front end surface of the rear follower; each side of the front follower having a U- shaped recess adjacent said rear end surface which terminates in two spaced indentations in one side edge of the rear end surface; said follower comprising a lug extending from the bottom of the recess centrally between the top and bottom of the follower and forming` the inner periphery of the recess, each side of the reary follower having a T-shaped recess comprising a vertically elongated head section adjacent to, and indenting aside edge of, said front end surface, and? a horizontal stem section extending rearwardly from the head section; 'a lug positioned forwardly in eachfT-'shaped recessl and extending laterally from the bottom, and in spaced relation with the side of therrecess'; all of ksaid lugs being i centrally located with respect tothe top and bottom of respective followersya pair vof links Yhaving openings; each link supported along one Yof opposite sides of the 10 ofthe openings containing said lugs; and means removably attached to the sides of at least one of the followers and partly covering each recess thereof in laterally overlapping relation with the links but in longitudinally offset relation with those portions of the openings along which said gaps occur, thereby exposing the gaps for lateral escape yof the slugs upon further compression of y the cushioning unit.

9; Inl a draft gear comprising longitudinally spaced followers and a cushioning unit disposed between the rear end surface of one follower and a front end surface of the other follower; each follower having a recess in leach of its outer sides extending from the respective end surface of said end surfaces; a lug extending laterally outwardly from the bottom of each recess in spaced relation with the sides of the Vrecess and positioned centrally with respect to the top and bottom of the follower; link means at each side of the draft gear extending lengthwise of the cushioning unit with end portions thereof disposed in a recess of each follower and the yassociated lugs thereof extending throughv said openings; the openings of both link means adjacent one follower and the'recesses of said one follower being elongated in the lengthwise direction of the cushioning unit for movement of one follower relative-to the link means toward the other'follower through a distance producing gaps of predetermined length at both sides of said one follower between the ends of the openings of the link means and the lugs of said one follower in said openings; and retaining means attached to said one follower and bridg-r v ingrportions of the recess thereof in longitudinally offset f relation with said gaps and said lugs thereby exposing lthe gaps rto enable lateral escape of assembly slugs conp tained therein; end portionsV of the link means disposed draft gear withd its end portions positioned in one of said recesses of each follower andthe lugs thereof extending through said openings; said openings being elongated in a horizontal direction for movement ofthe followers toward each other, one of said followers being movable relative to the links toward the other follower to form gaps for receiving the assembly slugs between thev lugs of said movable follower and the endsl y in the portions of the recesses providing said gaps being wider in said lengthwise direction than the gaps whereby they 'are Yoverlapped by said retaining means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,598,680v Grace sept. 7,1926 1,876,019 Priebe sept. 6, 1932 2,635,766 

